SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 - DURHAM, NC  - Endurance Magazine, the premier regional resource for healthy lifestyles, has been awarded the 2008 National Award for Editorial Excellence from the Association of Running Publications.  Out of 34 regional publications across the country, North Carolina-based Endurance Magazine and its editorial staff, led by Managing Editor Joe Nuss, was recognized for its perpetually creative and inspiring editorial and production style. Complemented by world-class photography by Tamara Lackey Photography, and innovative visual design by 8dot Graphics (both based in North Carolina), Endurance Magazine breaks through traditional health and fitness content paradigms by connecting real-world lifestyles with real-world people who take on extraordinary challenges.  "Our mix of immediately useful content and life-enriching personal connections helps us reach out to new readers with each issue" says Publisher and founder Steve Lackey.  "Over the years we have found our creative niche and have been able to inspire and motivate all types of people across our region.  As more people learn about Endurance Magazine from beyond North Carolina, our subscription requests from other states have grown". 

When asked what makes Endurance Magazine so popular with such a broad audience, Nuss explains, "Endurance Magazine is blessed with an amazing community of people willing to share their own passionate narratives about endurance sports. Our emphasis on storytelling, design and photography, with the sport itself as merely a backdrop, enables us to explore the universally relevant themes of physical and emotional triumph in attempt to bring together everyone from elite athletes to those that have never before laced up a pair of running shoes (but think they might want to some day)."

Michelle LeBrun, President of the Association of Running Publications (ARP), and Publisher of New England Runner Magazine presented the exclusive award for Editorial Excellence to Steve Lackey at this year's annual ARP meeting, in Boyne, Michigan. "The board of directors selected Endurance Magazine for their continuing ability to look "outside the box" on editorial related to both endurance sports and health related issues that effect not only North Carolina, but the entire country. They strive to attract an audience that typifies the endurance lifestyle, for all athletes from newcomers to the elite."  She continued "Endurance Magazine has been a welcome addition to the Association of Running Publications in its four years with our group and a leader in marketing and editorial concepts."

To broaden their positive influence on all communities, Endurance Magazine has started to share their editorial leadership by providing content to publications across the country.  From Los Angeles, to Portland, to Indiana, to Boston, to Florida, Endurance Magazine features have been well-received as they draw interest from an audience that is beyond regional boundaries.  Notable cover features that showcase the breadth of the endurance audience include Olympian Cullen Jones, Ultra Runner Charlie Engle, political icon Barack Obama (together with senators John McCain and Hillary Clinton), NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, Olympian Shalane Flanagan, and Author Nicolas Sparks.  Lackey explains, "We always talk about balancing local interest with broader experience.  Essentially enabling people to "look outside of their zip code" and bring that inspiration to their families, workplaces, and local community".

Endurance Magazine has been publishing life-enabling content since 2003 and is located in Durham, NC. They publish 12 issues annually reaching over 150,000 readers across North Carolina as well as parts of South Carolina and Virginia.  Target markets include Raleigh/Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and the Greater Charlotte area. To further integrate the collective fitness community, Endurance Magazine also produces five annual endurance sports events including the extremely popular Ramblin Rose Women Only Triathlon Tour and the Tarheel 10 Miler Running Experience.  For more information about Endurance Magazine and the events they produce please contact Mandy Beard at 919.281.0500.